About Us
The year is 1873. The dust swirled around El Paso like a restless spirit, clinging to the rough-hewn planks of the fledgling town. A lone figure, Silas "Bench" Markham, stepped off the stagecoach, his weathered face set with a purpose. He wasn't here for gold or land; he was here for the burgeoning need for reliable firearms in this untamed territory.
Bench wasn't just any gunsmith. He was a prodigy, his hands possessing an uncanny knack for understanding the intricate dance of metal and fire. He’d learned his trade from his father, a master craftsman back east, but the West called to him, a siren song of opportunity and challenge.
He rented a small, dusty storefront and hung a sign: "Benchmark Armory." The name was a nod to his meticulous standards. Every firearm that left his shop had to be a benchmark of quality, a testament to precision and reliability.
The early days were tough. Bandits, cattle rustlers, and even the occasional disgruntled customer tested his mettle. One particularly harrowing incident solidified Bench's reputation. A notorious outlaw gang, the "Rattlesnake Raiders," stormed El Paso, intending to rob the bank. While the townsfolk panicked, Bench calmly armed himself and a few brave volunteers with rifles from his shop. His intimate knowledge of his weapons, coupled with his steady aim, helped repel the raiders, earning him the respect and gratitude of the town.
Word of Benchmark Armory’s quality spread like wildfire. Ranchers, miners, and lawmen alike sought out Bench's creations. He wasn't just selling guns; he was providing security, peace of mind in a lawless land. He listened to his customers, incorporating their feedback into his designs, constantly refining and improving his firearms. He understood that the West was a crucible, and only the toughest and most reliable tools survived.
As the West slowly tamed, Benchmark Armory adapted. They began producing sporting rifles, hunting shotguns, and even pistols, always adhering to Bench's original principles of quality and innovation. Bench himself passed away in 1910, but his legacy lived on. His son, Samuel, took the reins, followed by generations of Markhams, each one building upon the foundation laid by the founder.
The 20th century brought new challenges and opportunities. Wars tested the limits of firearm technology, and Benchmark Armory rose to the occasion, contributing to the war effort with reliable and innovative designs. After the wars, the company continued to evolve, embracing new materials and manufacturing processes, while always staying true to its core values.
Today, 150 years later, Benchmark Armory stands as a titan of the firearms industry. From its humble beginnings in the dusty streets of El Paso, it has grown into a global brand, renowned for its quality, innovation, and unwavering commitment to its customers. The name "Benchmark" is no longer just a name; it's a symbol of excellence, a testament to the vision of one man who dared to build a legacy in the turbulent times of the Old West. And though Silas “Bench” Markham is long gone, his spirit lives on in every firearm that bears the Benchmark Armory name.